Hatfield pool fees could rise for non-residents in 2016

HATFIELD TWP. >> Starting in 2016, living in Hatfield will be an even bigger benefit to those who visit the Hatfield Aquatic Center.

A proposed fee schedule for the pool complex will keep season pass rates level, but raise the fees for outside visitors to buy daily pool passes.

“This is based on the feedback we received from the residents, from the non-residents, from all customers. The main, major complaint was that the aquatic center was too crowded,” said township Manager Aaron Bibro.

“There were too many people, which is flattering, and in a way we’re a victim of our own success — lots of people want to come to our facility, too many at times,” he said.

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After several recent changes to the pool pass and daily fee structure, single day passes were set at a price of $14 per person in 2015, seven days a week, with a discount after 2 p.m. After long discussions between pool and township staff and the volunteer Pool Advisory Board, Bibro told the commissioners Dec. 2, the pool board has proposed eliminating the 2 p.m. discount and keeping prices level until 5 p.m.

“We noticed a lot of people coming in at 2 p.m., paying significantly less, and the facility becoming crowded,” he said. The evening discount was kept for residents who work during the day but want to use the pool after work.

On weekends, the daily pool passes will cost $25 in 2015, with a discount to $15 for those who arrive after 5 p.m. — but those who live in the township will be able to score savings by buying daily passes at the township offices adjacent to the pool complex during the week.

“For $15, the same rate you’d pay to come in on a Tuesday, residents of Hatfield will be able to come on Saturday and Sunday. However, they’ll need to purchase those passes at the township building, Monday through Friday, and we are limiting those to five (passes) per transaction,” Bibro said.

Pass purchases by residents will be made at the administration building, not the aquatic center, for two reasons: to avoid long lines at the entrance to the pool, and so township staff can quickly verify addresses for the resident discounts. Discounts will still be available for seniors and for children ages 1 to 4 years old, according to the manager, and a 10 percent discount on season passes will be offered for those who buy their passes starting Jan. 1, with that discount lowering to 5 percent in March.

“It’s the first year we’re doing this, and obviously you hope people aren’t going to buy hundreds (of daily passes) and resell them, but you never know. These are the discussions we have, and we don’t know how it’ll go,” Bibro said.

“We want to make sure residents are taken care of, and limit any potential for abuse,” he said.

Other benefits for season pass holders will be outlined in early 2016, which Bibro said were also part of a collaborative process drawing feedback from residents, staff, and the volunteer board.

“We think we’ve gotten to a place where we should limit the crowds, make it a better customer experience, and the residents aren’t damaged by the increase,” he said.

Hatfield’s 2016 fee schedule will be up for adoption by the township commissioners, along with the 2016 budget and tax ordinance maintaining current levels, when the board next meets at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 16. That meeting will be held at the township administration building, 1950 School Road; for more information or meeting agendas and materials visit www.HatfieldTownship.org or follow @HatfieldPA on Twitter.